The Guardian: Pete Buttigieg for president? Long-shot stands out in crowded field

[Celerity]

https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2019/mar/23/pete-buttigieg-democrat-2020-presidential-election

Democratic hopeful Pete Buttigieg is having a moment in his long shot quest to become the nation’s youngest and first openly gay president – 317 days before the Iowa caucuses. The little-known mayor of South Bend, Indiana, has drawn attention after a widely-praised performance during a CNN town hall and a string of media interviews – a sign of how fluid and unpredictable the Democratic presidential primary is nearly a year before voting begins. “He’ll be a little less of a long shot tomorrow,” David Axelrod, the prominent Democratic strategist and former adviser to Barack Obama, said after the town hall.

Link to tweet

Days later, after an appearance on MSNBC’s Morning Joe, co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski said they were “overwhelmed” by the positive reaction to Buttigieg.“The only other time in 12 years that we heard from as many people about a guest was after Barack Obama appeared on Morning Joe,” Scarborough said.

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Democrats have applauded his answers to key questions. Is a two-term mayor of a city with just over 100,000 really qualified to be president? “I have more experience in government that the president of the United States.” And how will he stand up to Trump? “I’m a gay man from Indiana,” Buttigieg likes to say. “I know how to deal with a bully.”

In response to a question during the CNN town hall about the former governor of his home state, Mike Pence, Buttigieg asked how a man who describes himself as a religious conservative became “the cheerleader of the porn star presidency”.

“Is it that he stopped believing in scripture when he started believing in Donald Trump?” the mayor asked.

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superb town hall video

Link to tweet

He might be 37 but I'm blown away by his depth and thoughtfulness. Progressive but not partisan. Researched but still relatable. Remarkable skill.

[Cicada]

1. A likable genius

He is so smart he has deep thoughts on every policy.

[Celerity]

2. he seems to literally be a polymath

[wishstar]

3. He seems quite brilliant, wise and compassionate with fine speaking skills and spontaneity

Helps too that he has experience as a veteran and in midwest politics coming from Indiana.

[MBS]

4. I agree with all of this.

Plus, he seems to me more mature, intellectually and emotionally, than several of the primary candidates who are decades older. I feel that I could trust his judgment- for me a key indicator of presidential readiness. Plus he’s got a sense of humor- another reason to trust his judgment. Although I’m officially undecided, he is by far my favorite so far. He’s extremely impressive, and I’d be proud to see him representing my country on the world stage.

[democrank]

5. Imagine a debate between Mayor Pete and Trump?

Trump would be in a pile on the floor....from an intellectual knockout.

[mysteryowl]

6. Wow!

He will be a front-runner. I am so impressed, but I have to admit I am biased toward really smart people. His intelligence will dance circles around trump in a debate.

[patricia92243]

7. "I'm a gay man from Indiana," Buttigieg likes to say. "I know how to deal with a bully." Somehow

I missed this in my several times of watching.

I hope he is right. Trump name calling seems to have a strong effect.